Tuesday, August 31, 2010

DIY: Chalkboard Window

Ever since I saw this post on Feeding the Soil, I've wanted to create my own chalkboard window. I've been in search of a good, old window for the past few weeks, and finally found one at the Shady Hollow Flea Market!

What a good-looking window model!


I eventually chose this six-panel window. Then it was as simple as heading the 0.5 mile to Menard's for magentic paint and chalkboard paint. While we were there I also spotted glow-in-the-dark and whiteboard paint. Seriously, what kind of paint don't they make?


After cleaning each window pane, I was ready for the magnetic primer. The instructions called for three thin coats, which I did, but my board is not very magnetic. Perhaps my coats were too thin? I might have done more, but like any craft project I could hardly wait for the end results. The four hours of drying time in between the primer and the chalkboard paint was almost too much! Here we are in between stages of magentic and chalkboard. For the final finishing effect, I took some regular white craft paint and a sponge brush. Rather than my normal meticulous and perfect paint job, I opted for a messy sort of look with thin amounts of paint and short brush strokes to cover up the boring brown frame.

I also picked up a cheap set of picture hangers and nailed two to the back. And just like that, my project was complete! The hardest part was waiting for the paint to "cure" for at least three days. Luckily I didn't have any chalk around to tempt me. And here it is--the final project hanging in our kitchen entry way. First thing up on our new walls. Love it!

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